what are a few of your favorite things?

- violins in songs
- chivalry
- vintage shops
- going to football games
- sister time
- my itunes playlists
- worship
- collages
- old, worn books
- dinner dates with the boy
- the Roaring Twenties
- family road trips
- a favorite song performed live
- my nephew and niece
- One Tree Hill episodes

#sistersovermisters

I spent this past week in Houston, Texas with three other Morrow girls: Taylor-Lynn, Brianna, and Whitney.

Day One

- woken up by my niece and nephew
- grocery shopping at Walmart
- made t-shirts to commemorate our week
- made nutella puppy chow
- made a delicious dinner of crockpot lemon chicken, brussel sprouts with bacon, and a salad with feta cheese, baked pecans, and chopped pear. Complete with Canada Dry for us Canadian girls!
- introduced to Downton Abbey by bro-in-law Drew Louis

Day Two

- chick-fil-a for lunch
- homemade scarves
- 13 going on 30
- michael jackson's thriller
- venison burgers and cauliflower to substitute french fries
- GOP Super Tuesday
- Downton Abbey

Day Three

- Coffee and Bible study in the book of James
- lounged around
- chatted, chatted, more chatting
- helped Tay get ready for her hot hubby date -- hair, make-up, wardrobe, pedicure
- three aunties babysat
- dance concert especially for the nephew while he sat bewildered in his high chair
- blue bell ice cream with shell sauce :)
- bath time for the niece and nephew!
- treated ourselves to One Tree Hill
- then treated ourselves to more Downton Abbey


Day Four

- horrific episode at Walmart trying to get Hallie's crib
- downtown Houston for lunch with cousin Angi!
- orange chicken made from scratch, rice, and broccoli
- the ultimate chocolate dessert that really should be illegal -- layer 1: cookie dough, layer 2: fudge, layer 3: oreos, layer 4: brownie
- Downton Abbey

Day Five

- shopping at the Galleria -- largest mall in Texas
- Princess Diaries 2
- Girls night at a Mexican Restaurant
- The Chocolate Bar
- Watching little Gabey wrestle with his daddy
- Downtown Abbey

Day 6

- breakfast a Ihop complimentary of Drew Louis :)
- Downton Abbey marathon
- birthday dinner for Taylor and Whitney at an Asian Cuisine restaurant -- best sesame chicken I've ever had

Day 7

- churchin' at Encourager Church
- eating Texas style at Whataburger
- gourmet nutella, strawberry, and fudge cupcakes from Crave Cupcakes
- homemade skinny loaded baked potato soup with asparagus wrapped in turkey bacon
- put together Hallie's crib and hung the artwork Brianna painted
- sang "You Are My Sunshine" over a dozen times for Gabey
- more bathtime!
- one last episode of Downton Abbey
- packing :( :(

dress like a princess

All girls are princesses. I have believed this statement ever since I was a young girl. My Dad was the first one to tell me, but a favorite childhood movie reminded me time and time again. The Little Princess, a film based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is about a girl named Sarah Crewe whose father is a wealthy captain. Set in London during the Victorian era, she attends an upscale boarding school where she allows her creativity and imagination to keep her company in her father’s absence. After news of his bankruptcy and death reaches the malicious headmistress, Miss Minchin, Sarah is forced into servitude. There is a powerful dialogue between these two characters that will always stay with me:

Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess? Child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror.
Sara Crewe: I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags. Even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us.

So there you have it. We as women can know that we are all princesses. Never doubt it. Claim it. Show it.

When one thinks of a princess, one might think of “Disney.” Yes, those happily-ever-after tales that have the flawless animated women with big doe-like eyes and high-pitched voices. While trying to be like these fairytale characters is simply unrealistic and impractical for us real, live women, we can still have a little fun trying – at least in terms of our wardrobe!

It’s time to get inspired by the fashion of our beloved Disney heroines. Let’s revisit some of their iconic outfits and figure out how to make these looks work today!

1. Inspired by BELLE

This is the perfect outfit for the office. It says, “smart” and “bookish” just like Belle, but the blue hue gives it a dreamy whimsical feel. The bow on the belt makes the professional outfit a bit more feminine, and the burlap purse adds a unique and modern flare. Don’t forget the sophisticated oxfords to make the look more casual. In this outfit, you will be a BEAUTY with or without your Beast!







2. Inspired by THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hit the boardwalk in oh-so-Ariel-attire. Against these bright colors, the silver is extra brilliant, so start accessorizing! The shell necklace is all your neckline needs to accent the softly pleated strapless top, which is loose around the hips to offset the tighter pants. The gladiator sandals add some shine to the teal skinnies, the mismatched earrings provide originality, the shades give you attitude, the ring makes you think of a “dinglehopper,” and if you want to layer, add some more shimmer with a silver cropped shrug.







 3. Inspired by SNOW WHITE

This vintage look will make you want to “whistle while you work”! The polka dot t-shirt is transformed when tucked into the yellow flared skirt. Add some striking red features with ruby lips, flirty wedges, and a headband full of roses. Make the outfit extra yummy with a red delicious apple to wear around the neck– just make sure it’s not poisonous!













4. Inspired by SLEEPING BEAUTY

It’s the box pleat dress that makes this outfit! The straw hat, resembling Aurora’s luscious locks, makes this ensemble perfect for an outdoor summer event. The silk scarf is lightweight enough for warm weather and adds a refreshing patterned design to the solid blush. You know nothing says dainty and delicate like a good shade of pink, but add a dramatic finish with black patent leather peep-toe pumps. And remember to show your personality with a few bangle bracelets!












5. Inspired by POCAHONTAS

Ah, Pocahontas – a true icon of tribal fashion! With her as inspiration, you could create tons of casual-chic outfits with tasseled boots and multi-colored aztec prints; however, I stuck with a look of bold elegance. The incredible necklace with “all the colors of the wind” paired with the to-die-for heels creates the WOW in this outfit. The duo provides the perfect ratio of color to offset the sandstone one-shoulder evening dress. A little chilly? Throw on this blonde fur shawl and you'll look real sassy!









6. Inspired by JASMINE 

In this Arabian outfit inspired by the Princess of Agrabah, you’ll be ready to take on “a whole new world.” Make the flowing maxi dress fit for royalty by wearing a jeweled broach in the center below the straps and elegant teardrop earrings. Add the daring bangle, inspired by Jafar’s snake staff, to match the pointy-toe metallic flats that are delightfully detailed with reptile embossing. To freshen the look, add a whimsical touch with this flower headband.










7. Inspired by CINDERELLA

BONUS: two in one! Whether you're wearing the glass slippers or you're slaving away in the kitchen, there is an outfit for you!

Imitate Cinderella’s famous ball gown with this light-blue layered tulle dress. Wear the chiffon flower headband with a glamorous up-do so you can show off the pearl and diamond earrings. The grand finale? These ivory satin shoes with pleat detailing and crystal-embellished tips. You’ll look like you stepped out of your very own contemporary Cinderella story!

OR

If you’re looking for everyday wear, try getting inspiration from Cinderella’s drab rags. Try your favorite pair of jeans (you know, the pair with rips or holes) and wear them with a loose and longer fitted button-up. Layer by slipping on a shearling or a leather jacket. Cover your locks with a hat if you’re having a bad hair day (this knitted hat has a built-in bow, which conveniently matches Cinderella’s bow on her apron!) and never underestimate the way a pair of shoes can transform something from shabby to classy! These wedges do the trick with the cocoa brown leather, faux wood stacked heel, and olive ties. It says “Princess” and “damsel in distress” all at the same time! Don’t forget a vintage clock on an extended necklace so you can see when it strikes midnight!

If you’re anything like me, you have your favorite Disney princess from childhood and she may have even inspired you in some way. Perhaps you want to be selfless like Belle – taking the place of her father as the Beast’s prisoner so that he can be free. Or maybe you want to be courageous like Ariel – leaving all she knew behind to embrace a new adventure. Or instead you want to be beautiful like Snow White – being known as the “fairest one of all.” Whatever the reason, take a break from dreaming about their qualities and start dreaming about those iconic looks that leave you in awe! But don’t take my word for it -- treat the inner girl in you and have fun creating outfits that resemble your favorite Disney darling!

this article is featured on www.MyFriendDebbie.com. Check out this online magazine for more interesting and encouraging articles! 

this valentine's day

Last year, there was an uproar on campuses all over America because of a silly, yet dangerous website called collegeacb.com, which was a forum where students could anonymously post hateful things about fellow students. Many individuals here at CNU were gravely hurt and offended by being singled out on the site. Names were named, organizations were attacked, expletives were used, individuals were victimized, challenged, and bullied. We're talking the real, live, digital Burn Book from Mean Girls, people.

That week, as gossip was running rampant and people were emotionally bruised, I walked through the Trib Lib courtyard and heard "All You Need is Love" playing through outdoor speakers. Long tables were set up with large, blank sheets of paper spread over them. Markers and sharpies were provided and people were congregating. A big sign read, "make a stand -- not a post"....I realized people were writing words of encouragement, enforcing unity, and spreading LOVE.

Me and my gem of a friend, Brianna, sat in the courtyard under the sun, listened to the songs about hope, and smiled at the scene. We watched as students meandered across, stopping to write a quote or statement to remind fellow captains to love, respect, and accept others, and to brighten the world in which we live.

Today, the calendar tells us to celebrate love. As people give out chocolate and roses to the "valentine" of choice, I can only think of that sunny day last Spring.

I think that's what it's about. Love, yes, but love even despite hate. Love publicly, love with written words, love as a community, love things that are broken, love to make things better, to join together.

Happy Valentine's Day! Love the right way today!

a love that rivals fairytales

On rainy days, we'll build blanket forts,

where whimsical disturbs reality.

We'll escape away to a secret land

just like Peter Pan and Wendy.

And on winter nights, we'll build a fire.

Cuddled together with our books to read,

from the library in our enchanted castle,

just like Beauty and the Beast.

For the quiet nights, we'll build a porch swing,

we'll watch the warmth fade to September.

Our silent memories rocking back and forth

just like A Walk to Remember.

Beginning to end, we'll build our story

of laughter, love, trials, and travels.

You'll be the hero who persuades the girl

Just like in Jane Austen's novels.

As for our life, we'll build it on the rocks

overlooking ocean waters, so dense.

A foundation solid, steady, and safe

just like the Little Mermaid and her prince.

On the hard days, we'll build each other up,

chasing away the worry and the hurt.

We'll empower one another to be fearless

Just like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

And of course, we'll build imaginations,

words and dreams enhancing our life.

As kindred spirits, we'll conquer the world

Just like Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe.

In days to come, we'll build our home

loving better as times get harder

blessed with our own little girls and boys

Just like my Mother and my Father.

Everyday we'll build our own fairytale

where our love will be reigning free

it will rival all the aforementioned

Forever just you and me

Forever just you and me

what is your favorite taste?

- Shirley Temple sipped from a straw, scooping the cherries from the bottom of the glass at the end
- My dad's homemade salsa
- Death By Chocolate Cake from The Trellis
- Chicken burrito bowl from Chipotle
- Mom's pumpkin raisin muffins and cranberry muffins
- Green and red sour patch kids
- Any kind of cheese
- Kiwi Quencher from Tropical Smoothie
- Thanksgiving stuffing
- Nutella
- Swiss Chalet sauce
-  "house" dressing from The Cheese Shop in Colonial Williamsburg
- Ben's guacamole

2012 Resolutions

Be more administrative

Daily devotions

Be positive, build up, speak love

Start a writing project

Cook more

Make new friendships

Run weekly

Be more patient with my family

Find a place to belong 

Travel

Read 30 books

Get a fulfilling job

sisterly love

sisters stick together.
sisters defend each other.
sisters fight each others' battles.
sisters know just how to make each other laugh.
sisters fight.
sisters know when to let it go and just love.
sisters make it about "you" not "me."
sisters forgive.
sisters share.
sisters are a team.
sisters don't let sisters have bad friends.
sisters protect.
sisters have nightly sleepovers.
sisters are fashion consultants.
sisters encourage.
sisters can talk & listen.
sisters consider one another their biggest blessing.
sisters learn how to practice grace.
sisters have to practice grace in regard to people who hurt their sisters.
sisters are accountability partners.
sisters are roommates.
sisters can be boiling mad one moment and cracking jokes the next.
sisters have thick skin. 

The Moon on the Wing

The wee hours...
They belong to the mothers
They belong to the lovers
They belong to the lonely who stare at tv sets
They belong to the loved who leave one in bed for sunrises and cigarettes
The wee hours, yes, they belong to the babes
They belong to the writers,
to the mourners,
to the ghosts out of their graves.

Listen to the crickets.
Listen to the moon.
Is she comforting to you-- or does she arrive too soon?
She speaks not to me,
but perhaps you hear the sound.
Does she whisper or sing? Is she quiet or loud?

To me, she is cold and distant and blue
Unless she is low and enormous and gold
when she shines like that, I could swallow her up

I'd let her sink deep down into my gut and glow
If I glowed like that maybe then you'd know
how true is my aim
how real is my path
how much I am seeking
how I don't want to do this alone...

The wee hours...
They belong to the pray-ers
They belong to the dreamers
They belong to the hopeless who stare blankly into mirrors
They belong to the angels who stare back with fire and rescue
The wee hours, yes, they belong to the shamed
The prowlers can prowl and the gamblers can game
But the wee hours belong to the weeping and brave.

The sunlight will come and make a new start
Though, before one can start, one must make resolve
It's the moonlight, my dear, that stirs up your heart.

Let her dance in, but remember in the morn
That you promised and vowed and swore the night before
That you'd make a new start when the moon disappeared...
Well, the new sun is coming!
She's coming!
Almost here...

-bethany joy galeotti

Life Lessons from Anne Shirley

Beautiful, smart, determined, witty, well-spoken, feisty, intuitive...Anne has it all. And we can learn so much from this beloved girl.

1. being dramatic is okay if you're elegant about it.

                                                   

2. if he gently touches your face and calls you, 'carrots', KEEP HIM.

3. laugh excessively with your best friend.

4. WRITE, even if the product is a bit shameful.

5. if you need to compete with someone in order to succeed, choose someone as cordial and forgiving as Gilbert Blythe.

6. allow older people to inspire you. 

"tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it"

 7. sometimes, you just gotta embrace that natural hair color.

8. find that romantic bridge and that handsome man in your own life.

9. consider happiness in terms of non-materialistic things.

"We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit,
and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens"

10. collect kindred spirits.

11. apologize with style.

12. find your paradise. 

13. fall in love reluctantly...enjoy it rather than rushing it.

14. memorize your favorite poems and quotes to recite when necessary. 

"There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colors gay
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot."

15. have the perfect response ready when the man of your dreams tells you he loves you. 

G: it'll be 3 years before I graduate med school,
and even then there won't be any diamond sunbursts or marble halls.
A: I don't want sunbursts or marble halls; I just want you.

XO, 

Destiny